What Is a High Ankle Sprain?
A high ankle sprain happens when the ligaments that connect your two lower leg bones—the tibia and fibula—are stretched or torn. This area is called the syndesmosis, which is the joint where these two bones meet near the ankle. High ankle sprains can cause pain, swelling, and instability, often after a severe twist or impact.
High ankle sprains occur in about 10% of ankle fractures2
High ankle sprains are common in sports that involve twisting and turning the ankle, like football, basketball, and soccer
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Provides a More Natural Healing Approach
Faster Return to Activity
Reduces Complications and the Need for a Second Surgery
The Arthrex TightRope implant is a small, flexible device that helps stabilize the bones in your lower leg—the tibia and fibula—when they’ve become unstable from a high ankle sprain or fracture. This approach supports natural movement and promotes faster healing.1,3
Why Choose Syndesmosis TightRope Repair?
Return to Play
Elite athletes may return to activity as early as 3-4 weeks, but for most patients, 1-2 months is more common.3 Your timeline depends on your physical therapy plan, your trainer’s guidance, and your individual recovery.
How the Repair Works
To fix a high ankle sprain, your surgeon may use one or more TightRope implants. These implants are flexible enough to position your bones correctly and strong enough to keep them stable while they heal,6 sometimes, additional devices are used to support the ligaments and restore normal anatomy, such as the InternalBrace™ procedure. Because the joint experiences a lot of stress during recovery, your surgeon may also use a small plate to help spread out the pressure on the bone.
Trusted Innovation for Your Ankle
Syndesmosis TightRope System for High Ankle Repair
2005
700k+
Patient Stories
Kobe's Story
Syndesmosis TightRope Repair
InternalBrace Procedure
When Clemson running back Kobe Pace suffered a mid-season ankle injury, innovative surgical techniques from Arthrex helped him recover quickly and return to the field stronger than ever.
Meagan's Story
Syndesmosis TightRope Repair
InternalBrace Procedure
College soccer player Meagan Brown overcame chronic ankle instability through innovative surgical techniques and returned to the field stronger and pain-free for her final season.
Riley’s Story
Syndesmosis TightRope Repair
After a high ankle sprain sidelined quarterback Riley Leonard during his college career, he made a full recovery with help from the Arthrex TightRope XP implant system.
Sammy and Sam's Story
TightRope Repair
InternalBrace Procedure
Two Clemson Football Players Back to Full Strength After Suffering the Same Injury, Thanks to Arthrex Innovation
Leah's Story
InternalBrace Procedure
Athletic trainer and former gymnast who underwent two ankle reconstructions with poor results prior to InternalBrace augmentation.
Caitlin's Story
InternalBrace Procedure
Former soccer player and outdoor/running enthusiast who underwent two ankle surgeries before her InternalBrace augmentation.
Mike's Story
InternalBrace Procedure
Firefighter who suffered a complete tear of his lateral ankle ligament when he stepped down from the truck onto a curb and rolled his ankle.
Estee's Story
InternalBrace Procedure
Avid runner and skier who, after coping with ankle instability since high school, is back to having fun with her family after her InternalBrace augmentation.
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Bethany's Story
InternalBrace Procedure
Ultrarunner and mountain biker who experienced multiple ankle sprains before securing her repair with the InternalBrace procedure and getting back on the trails.
